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Why Balsamic Is the Best Vinegar Around

Why Balsamic Is the Best Vinegar Around

Posted by April Bargout On August 21 2019

The city of Modena, in the Modena region of Italy, is famous for three things:

The late Italian opera singer Pavarotti was born here.

The famous Ferrari museum is near here.

Traditional balsamic vinegar is produced here.

The Malpighi family is one of the oldest producers of balsamic vinegar in Modena. The president, Massimo Malpighi, is the fifth generation of the family to run its factory, open since 1850.

modena

Balsamic vinegar is only considered authentic if it comes from this region, and once you visit this factory, you will understand its claim to fame.

Just One Ingredient, By Tradition

The vinegar is made from what's called grape must, derived from Lambrusco and Trebbiano white grapes. If anything else is added such as sugar, thickeners or preservatives; then it’s not true balsamic vinegar. That’s what you typically find, unless you go to to specialty stores, which stock the real thing. 

You can tell the difference from whether the label says it’s produced or simply bottled in Modena. Authentic balsamic is produced there.

All of it is aged in wooden barrels that are never washed, never replaced. Five different types of wood are used for the barrels at the Malpighi factory, each creating different aromas. The oldest barrel has been used since 1730!

Black Gold in Wooden Barrels

black balsamic barrels

Barrels are constructed from different woods: chestnut, mulberry, cherry, juniper and oak. The woods produce different flavors, and it takes five to eight years for the barrels to get the full flavors . Painted black to avoid corrosion, these barrels are precious. 

The vinegar that is aged 12 years has a yellow cap and tastes moderately strong. The gold label vinegar, the "Black Gold,"  is aged 25 years.  While it’s aging, 70 percent evaporates and then it’s put into smaller barrels.

These vinegars are more like fine wine than the stuff you get from the supermarket to mix into your salads. The Malpighi family likes to talk about the "magic of the Black Gold."

Chocolate Laced With Aged Balsamic

peaches with balsamic

Their balsamic vinegars are offered also as part of condiments with subtle flavors, such as orange, vanilla, mint and apple. There are savory and sweet flavors, and some match well with omelets, salads, cheese and meats; and some with ice cream, fruit and other desserts.

Imagine a dark chocolate candy with a syrupy thick balsamic inside. As the vinegar is aged, it gets thicker and richer. It becomes a balm that the Malpighis say is good for digestion and for your voice.

In any case, you can't go wrong with a tour and tasting of aged balsamic vinegar in Modena.

 

April Bargout

Written by April Bargout

Managing Partner BellaVista Tours